Henry's Variety

“EBBUR”: Henry (Heinrich) Lobe: The story of Henry’s Variety Henry’s Variety store still stands on the corner of Dundas St West and Indian Grove, just west of Indian Rd. For Gottscheers travelling to Rexdale or Gottscheer Park from downtown Toronto, it was a congenial portage. On a typical Saturday afternoon opera music would seep from behind the counter as Henry stooped forward in amusing conversation with one or another Gottscheer drop in. His signature response “EBBUR” (that’s the truth, or no kidding!) punctuated the amicable exchanges. No one ever left without a package of cookies or candies. Over the endless summers from the 60’s to the turn of the century no Gottscheer picnic ever went without sizeable donations of prizes from Henry’s Variety to be raffled off in support of the Club.

As a preteen in Toronto, dragged by his father to go visiting on weekends, Henry’s Variety was my favorite place. Behind the counter, beaming like a Buddha, Henry engaged the steady array of customers in conversation. Added to that, the visual treats of the convenience store made sure I was never bored. Sometimes Henry would lift a notebook as thick as a Bible to enter or erase a debt. When a customer left, Henry would offer worldly wise commentary like a newscaster. When the hum of business lagged, I would ogle the candy and chocolate bars, the magazine rack or the large refreshment cooler. Henry always offered a pop or water.

Henry’s Variety had a predecessor at Dundas St & Denison in the early 50s. In the early 50’s Henry also ran for the Presidency of the newly formed Gottscheer Club. At an inaugural meeting at the home of my uncle Rudolf Muchitsch, and my home, there was a raucous competitive election. I was more concerned with having enough exploding caps for my toy pistols than with the results. When the city built a public school at Denison & Dundas, and a large public housing complex at Portland and Dundas Henry moved his store west. Then everybody moved. Even the Dufferin race track moved from Dufferin & College. On Dundas St West Henry was shortly joined by his wife Renate (Rita) and soon Josie and Henry Jr. Renata, born in Villach, was from Vienna the pearl of the Austrian Empire. Renata & Henry became a tag team in the store joined by the headliner midgets, Josie and little Henry.

Henry’s Variety was located in the Junction a fitting name for a cultural shift. Gottscheers from far and wide would stop, say hello and talk. It was the village store. Henry always had a welcoming smile, opera music, and chocolate biscuits.

“Seasons change with the scenery

Weaving time in a tapestry

Won't you stop and remember me

At any convenient time?” Paul Simon